A Better Start E Tipu e Rea is one of the government's 11 National Science Challenges funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Our researchers are taking on the biggest health and education challenges our children face – obesity, literacy and mental health. We draw New Zealand experts from different institutions and disciplines together to find better ways to predict, prevent and treat childhood health and education issues. Our goal is to set all of our tamariki on the path to a healthy and successful life – at a healthy weight, with good literacy skills and sound mental health.